On this blog I will interview authors and sometimes read their book. Most of the books are Christian and/or Romance. That's because I write those genres. I m always open to new genres and such, so if you have an author you think would like to be interview, email me! Or comment on a post with their name and/or link. Thanks and God bless!

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

What inspired you to start writing?I've been writing most of my life, but my fiction writing was inspired by other novelists like classic storyteller Charles Dickens, and Christian historian Bodie Thoene who display such sweeping worlds and vivid characterization in their stories. Pioneers of Christian fiction like Jeanette Oke and Marian Wells paved the way with their sweetly stirring romances. Brilliant authors like Angela Hunt and Francine Rivers inspire me with their huge plots and amazing twists. Creative non-fiction biographer Allen Eckert almost single-handedly made me fall in love with American history.When did you know you wanted to be an author?When I was ten, I fell in love with Nancy Drew mysteries, and knew then that I'd always want to be an author. What inspired you to write The Red Fury?The Red Fury grew naturally as a generational sequel to Book One, The Green Veil. It lined up with the historic period in which railroaders, lumberjacks, speculators, and settler were building Wisconsin after the Civil War. During the same period, heavy drought sparked great fires. The Red Fury not only tells of the fury in Lainey Kade's heart, but of the Great Peshtigo Fire, the deadliest conflagration in the nation's history, which coincidentally occurred on the same night as the Chicago Fire, but without the acclaim.What is your favorite part of The Red Fury?I love this book, not only because it's my baby, but because the characters seemed so alive to me from the first moments of their inception. Scenes bubbled to life effortlessly. I do really love the scene where Lainey finally realizes she's not only in love with one of the brothers but is about to leave him behind, possibly forever. There's a tender parting on a train platform. I like that her father plays a role here. Family involvement became important in this book. I like that.

What was the hardest part of The Red Fury to write?The scene(s) of the fire were the most difficult to write, probably because they had such a huge impact on the story and I wanted to get them absolutely right for the characters and for the true history of the time. It turns out that I love these scenes too. The emotion in these scenes is taut. I hope readers will feel the cinch of it around their hearts.

Did you have any obstacles to overcome while writing The Red Fury?The Red Fury took a great deal of research. It was a story I'd wanted to tell for a long time. But demands of day to day life, regular jobs, family, all make it difficult to write regularly too. Resources were limited. Of course, since I finished, more has appeared on the web. Go figure.Is there anything in the book you would change or rewrite?I've been pretty satisfied with the story. Any changes would be terribly minor. I'd consider changing the name of a character at the end who plays a large role in the next book The Black Rose (coming in July 2012). It's so minor.If you could be any character from any book, who would you be?I don't know that there are many characters I'd choose to be because characters are always getting into trouble. But to confess, if there's a character I'm most like, it's Lainey in The Red Fury. I realized that we were a lot alike as I got further into the story. Still, I wouldn't want her trouble. No thanks.

What would you tell an unpublished author who was feeling discouraged?We live in a time of great opportunity. With the advancement of E-books, more and more publishers are making room for new authors. Keep at it. Never stop studying craft, always look for ways to improve your writing, and above all, don't let criticism stop you. Take sound advice, be teachable. Let the rest of it roll off your back. Keep growing!If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would that person be?Wow, that's a tough one. Probably another author like one of those who inspired me, or someone like Tamera Alexander, or Laura Frantz. I think we have somewhat similar writing styles and would enjoy a good chit-chat.

Congrats on your book! I hope to see many more from you. Thank you for agreeing to let me interview you. God bless!

* I judge the book by grammer, spelling, plot, and, well, everything that matters! I do not always agree with all religious standings, or Bible doctrines. Please keep that in mind.*

My latest interview has been with Naomi Musch, author of the Empire in Pine series. The interview is below.

Naomi: My most recent book is called The Red Fury, Book Two of the Empire in Pine series set in 1800s Wisconsin. Fleeing heartache and convention, Lainey Kade forges

an adventurous companionship with Zane and Kelly Beaumont, brothers whose nightmares since the Civil War have never let them return home. Dependent on each other, Lainey denies love's rekindled spark. While fires rage across the Wisconsin wilderness, her heart might be consumed by the fury burning inside her.

Hello everyone! I hope everybody had a great Christmas! I have created a Facebook group for this blog. Please go to the link below and join. If you are an author, then you can go to the group and ask me to interview you. You can also email me, and my email is below as well. Email me if you have thoughts, idea's, and/or want to be interviewed. God bless everyone!

* I judge the book by grammer, spelling, plot, and, well, everything that matters! I do not always agree with all religious standings, or Bible doctrines. Please keep that in mind.*

Nike Chillemi has been called a crime fictionista due to her passion for crime fiction. She was an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category and a judge in the 2011 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories. She is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and its Chairman, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She writes book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. BURNING HEARTS is the first book in the crime wave that is sweeping the south shore of Long Island in The Sanctuary Point series, published by Desert Breeze. GOODBYE NOEL, the second book in the series will be released in December, 2011. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers (Ning).

Here is my interview with "The Crime Fictionista".

How long have you been writing?It seems like I've been writing since forever. As a child, I penned a tome about my love of horses. Well actually it was in Crayola. Then in my preteen and teen years I wrote the requisite poems filled with angst. I've been writing seriously for the Christian fiction market for about five years. My first manuscript was laughable. I quickly learned that an "A" term paper in college was not the same as writing fiction. I've spent the years since honing my craft.What made you decide to start writing in the first place?I've always been a lover of a good story. I like to read engaging fiction and love a good movie. I've always day dreamed and come up with different scenarios. One day I just thought, I can do this.

What inspired you to write Goodbye Noel?I've always wanted to write a Christmas mystery. This one turned out to be more of a Christmas thriller with an intense love story. Part of the impetus for writing in that specific time period was the desire to show how universally Christmas was celebrated in the US then. It was a time when everyone decked the halls and every city, town, and village had a crèche in its town square. The nativity story in the Book of Luke was read by an actor or an announcer with a fine voice over every radio station in America right before Christmas.

What was the hardest part of Goodbye Noel for you to write?I wanted my main characters to be complex and three-dimensional. So, I'd say the hardest part was showing their less than perfect side and yet get the reader to cheer them on. There were times when they might not be so likeable in their actions, yet I think the reader will understand their inner turmoil and route for them. I wanted to show how two ordinary people could rise up, face evil, and do the right thing. A difficult challenge.

Was the publishing process stressful for you?Mostly it's been fun. But at times it's been stressful. When there are deadlines the pressure is on. Those deadlines might fall out at inconvenient times, but they still have to be met.

Do you like to outline, or do you just write as idea's come?I do both. I've had manuscripts where I outline the entire novel. In other stories, I outline as I go along. I've also, on occasion, thrown the outline out the window and simply wrote as fast as I could. So, It's really a mish-mosh.If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would that be?There are two women I'd like to have dinner with. One is dead and one is very much alive. Corrie Ten Boom and Laura Bush. My reasoning for both women is the same. I'd ask them how they have come to be so strong in such a quiet and patient way. When I grow up and stop being a bull in a china shop, I'd like to be like them.

Do you have a favorite author and/or book?I have one Christian author fav and one general market and they both write police procedurals. J. Mark Bertrand is a Christian author who I admire for his Roland March series. And Michael Connelly writes the Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller series.

How did your family influence your writing?My dad was an English teacher and he directed the high school senior plays. So, I had a background in storytelling and that which was dramatic. At home, we were encouraged to read, read, read. And I think that's a must for all writers...to read the top authors in your genre.My paternal grandmother was Czechoslovak and Katrina's family are Czech immigrants. So, at the holidays you'll find Mrs. Lenart cooking and baking the way my grandmother did.

Could you tell us more about Goodbye Noel?Here's a short synopsis:The first body is found under a trimmed Christmas tree, the second as they ring in the New Year (1947), the third goes head long out a window. Will a young pediatric nurse determined to make it on her own be able to care for an infant whose mother was murdered and escape the killer who has struck again? Can she trust the stalwart village detective with her life and her heart as he works to catch this killer before somebody else dies?Pediatric nurse, Katrina Lenart, grew up strong willed and independent minded, while sharing her mother's flair for high fashion. When the police chief gives her an orphaned baby to care for, her maternal instincts take over and she's willing to fight anyone who might not have the infant's best interests at heart, even the man she's growing to love. After an attempt is made to kidnap the baby, she and the resolute village detective team up and do some sleuthing, undercover at a cult as well as at a fancy ball. Detective Ian Daltry is a widower with a child and is not interested in a new love. Hunting a killer who stops at nothing has placed him in the position where he must protect a beautiful young woman he's drawn to. Is there's something he's overlooked in analyzing the case? Will he find out what that is before this ruthless murderer kills someone he loves?

Could you tell me about you and your family? Children, spouse, ect? Is writing your main job, or do you have another job?I live with my husband and daughter in Gotham (NYC, The Big Apple). I guess I'm quite urban. Love the fast pace of city life. However, we live in the part of New York that's on a salt marsh and is quite residential. Houses and backyards and all. Yup, NYC has protected wetlands and part of it also sits on the Atlantic and has beaches. My husband is assistant director at the substance abuse program at one of the craziest NYC public hospitals. So, when I start writing my contemporaries, I'll have lots of firsthand information to use about illegal drug use. I used to be a homeschooling mom, but my daughter opted to go to public school in the 8th grade. In NYC, you have to apply to public high schools and she's applying to three art and design schools and one specializing in oceanography. I was also an animal rescuer and our house is filled with a variety of cats and one dog.Goodbye Noel will be out December 15th, two days from now. Be sure to read the first book, Burning Hearts! Don't miss a single book by this Crime Fictionista. God bless you, Nike, and congrats on your book!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

* I judge the book by grammer, spelling, plot, and, well, everything that matters! I do not always agree with all religious standings, or Bible doctrines. Please keep that in mind.*

Author Sherri Wilson Johnson is a author, mother, wife, and more. She tackles daily life and still finds time to write. Talk about multi-tasked. Sherri Wilson Johnson's book "To Dance Once More" is out. While I wasn't able to read all of it, what I did read revealed a masterpiece. Not many people can write a book that captures you in the first few sentences, But Sherri can.
Here is my interview with Mrs. Johnson

Have you always known you wanted to be an author?

Oh, yes! From the first short stories in Elementary School, I was hooked on writing

When and why did you start writing?

My serious writing began when I was about eighteen. I wrote a full length novel on my typewriter at work. At the time, I had gotten hooked on reading romances but they were not really appropriate reads. I wanted to write really cool books that were clean, yet romantic and entertaining.

What inspired you to write "To Dance Once More"?

I love the beach and Victorian times. I had the idea for the story and combined it with my love of the beach and old-fashioned ways to create To Dance Once More, a pure romance.

Which character in "To Dance Once More" is your favorite?

I love the main character, Lydia, because she is strong and perseveres during trials.

What was the hardest part of the book for you to write?

I always find it hard to get through the middle of a book. The story seems to lag a bit and I have to sometimes take breaks to rejuvenate myself.

Who is your favorite author/book?

Oh, boy! I love so many I can't even begin to say who my favorite is. I enjoy reading Maggie Brendan, Robert Whitlow, Gayle Roper, Gail Gaymer Martin as far as fiction goes.

Do you outline, or just write as ideas come?

I actually do outline. If I am writing a contemporary novel, I print out a calendar for the month/year I am writing about and I mark the happenings on it. It helps me keep up with what my characters are doing and when and where. I also keep a chapter by chapter log as I am writing. It helps me write a synopsis for publishers when I am ready to submit proposals.

What is your writing routine?

I am a night owl so I do a lot of writing at night. But I also have a busy family life so I grab my writing opportunities whenever they come. When I feel inspired, I write. When I don't, I edit things I have already written. When I am totally uninspired, I read. It helps get the creative juices flowing.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would that person be?

I've been asked this question before. I would love to sit down and chat with James, from the Bible. He's such a great writer and bluntly says what's on his mind, while also inspiring Christians in their walk with the Lord.

Was the publishing process stressful for you?

Oh, at times, it was. I have received so many rejections over the years. But now, looking back, I have to say that the rejections were deserved. Each time I was rejected, I'd take another look at the manuscript and keep working on it. So the rejection is actually a very healthy part of the process.

Do you plan to write any other books anytime soon?

I am currently polishing my third novel, writing my fourth one (which is the sequel to To Dance Once More), and working on a sequel idea for my second novel, Song of the Meadowlark, which will release in May.

And lastly, what tips might you have for a beginning author?

I would tell any beginning author to never give up. If you quit, you'll never know what you can achieve. I would also tell a beginning author to read as much of the genre he/she writes in as possible. And read other things, as well. Reading and writing--those are the keys.If you haven't read To Dance Once More, you should. It is a well-crafted, beautiful story.Thanks to Sherri Wilson Johnson for allowing me to interview her. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoy getting to know more about an author than what google tells you. Hope you have enjoyed and God bless. Congrats on your book Sherri! Can't wait to see more out.

2 Entries - take a picture of Annapolis on a shelfin your local bookstore or library

(Yes, this is just to give me a thrill, lol.)

You can either email it to me [roseanna at roseannawhite dot com] or post on a social media site and tag me so I see it. Then please leave a comment here saying you did so, so I don't forget to add it in when tallying entries.

3 Entries - post a review of the book if you've read it

4 Entries - come up with something I forgot to list here

that's so incredibly brilliant and spreads the word so well that I decide

to name a character after you. ;-)

(You know, like getting your library to order it.

Or convincing your book club to read it. That sort of thing.)

For those of you who aren't mathematicians, this adds up to a possible 15 entries (if you only visit ONE blog stop, even--many more if you check out them all)! You'll notice that no purchase is necessary for any of these--even for the review, you could have borrowed a copy from a friend or the library. =)
Each thing you do adds up. If you have a high amount, then there is a high chance your name will be drawn.

Now, some local laws forbid entry into giveaways. By entering, you're saying you don't live in such a place and aren't going to sue me for having a giveaway. It's void where prohibited, in other words. Your chances of winning are dependent upon the number of entries. Drawings, again, will be held December 15, 2011 and February 15, 2012.

Please leave an email address with all your entries so I can reach you if you win. Winners will have 1 (ONE) week to claim prize before another is drawn.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Hi! My name is Katelyn Shear and I am a 13-year-old author. Sorry about the pic. It never works when I want it to. Anyway, I have been a Christian for almost 9 years. I not only plan to interview authors, but missionaries and maybe some inspiring kids. I have 5 siblings and 1 due any day now. I also have 5 cats. It's a lot of responsibility, but it's great. I have to go now. Bye and God bless!